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GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 64
Because of it, Purdue expects to play small-
er and faster when mobile backup big men
Jacquil Taylor or Matt Haarms are on the floor.
Whatever increased tempo Purdue plays
with — and it's not like the Big Ten's top
scoring team last season was defined solely
by its plodding before — would jibe with the
anticipated rise to prominence of sophomore
guard Carsen Edwards, one of the most tal-
ented scoring guards Painter's had in West
Lafayette. Whether it's for Carsen Edwards,
Vincent Edwards or whoever, expect more
ball-screen offense from Purdue, for one
thing.
And while Purdue returns an outstanding
corps of jump-shooters, Swanigan's passing
out of the post and the attention he drew
around the basket were critical components
to it.
"I think the floor can be more spaced out
depending on what our lineup is, because
we'll play small sometimes," point guard P.J.
Thompson said. "I think we'll have different
offense, whether it's dribble handoffs or pick-
and-rolls, but we're definitely going to have to
get in the paint, just because we don't have
a Biggie to throw it to every time and Isaac
can't play 40.
"We definitely have to make plays for our
teammates and ourselves off the dribble."
That would fall in line with the skill sets of
two of the players Purdue will feature most
prominently offensively, both Carsen and
Vincent Edwards, as well as the improvement
Dakota Mathias, in particular, seems to be
showing scoring off the dribble.
TAYLOR'S TIME
In context, no Boilermaker did more to
answer the questions surrounding him in
August than hard-luck junior big man Tay-
lor, who missed last season due to injury, the
third season out of five that have been basi-
cally a wash for him due to health issues.
UP AND DOWN THE ROSTER
A look at each Boilermaker as of summer's end:
No. Player Position Year Height Weight
1 Aaron Wheeler Forward Freshman 6-9 200
The rookie combo forward has shown immense promise and more physical readiness than he was
probably given credit for before he enrolled. But he remains a bit rough around the edges and Purdue
has experience in its frontcourt. There's no need to rush him along.
3 Carsen Edwards Guard Sophomore 6-0 190
The player with the most potential to make the biggest leap from last season to this one, the guard
stood out for USA Basketball's 19-and-Under team in June, maybe a springboard to big things now.
He'll contend to lead Purdue in scoring. Defense and efficiency will be hot-button emphases, but he
looks better now than he would have last season.
5 Eden Ewing Forward Junior 6-9 215
The junior college transfer couldn't enroll until July. It'll be a process for him, most likely, as he looks for
a niche to carve, but his athleticism and energy stand out against the rest of Purdue's roster.
11 P.J. Thompson Guard Senior 5-10 185
Purdue's multi-year starter at point guard is as known a commodity by now as they come. His track
record of taking care of the basketball as well as any guard in America and making seemingly every big
three-pointer he takes follows him into his final season. In terms of leadership, Purdue's in good hands
at the most leadership-driven of positions.
12 Vincent Edwards Forward Senior 6-8 225
The senior should see his usage amped up with Caleb Swanigan off to the NBA. And the NCAA Tourna-
ment last season showed a player who's first-team All-Big Ten-capable. He'll have every chance to reach
that level this season. Purdue needs him to have his best rebounding season. When he's at his best on
the boards, he's played his best.
14 Ryan Cline Guard Junior 6-6 195
A dangerous shooter and now experienced presence, Cline will be a key contributor again. He seems to
be more aggressive playing off the bounce, which may not be his defining strength, but would balance
out his repertoire some.
15 Tommy Luce Guard Sophomore 5-10 150
The walk-on guard can best help Purdue in practice, with his game-night roles still limited to mop-up
duty. Fans will continue to want him to shoot.
20 Nojel Eastern Guard Freshman 6-6 220
This will be an experiment of sorts, playing the forward-sized freshman at the point, especially at this
early stage of his career. But he's an excellent passer who'll give Purdue another threat as a penetrator
and maybe some value-added on the glass.
23 Jacquil Taylor Center Junior 6-10 240
Some of the best news of the summer for Purdue came in Taylor's play. He's healthy and looked it and
more early in World University Games play. He's been active, aggressive, rebounding with physicality,
blocking shots and giving Purdue the sort of mobile 5 as a defender and screener it hasn't had lately.
24 Grady Eifert Forward Junior 6-6 220
The walk-on forward was given early-rotation opportunities in initial World University Games-related
events and produced every time. The fact he got those chances underscores the value of his consistent
effort and the trust coaches have in him. He could contribute this season.
31 Dakota Mathias Guard Senior 6-4 200
Purdue's stalwart two-way guard has been more aggressive off the dribble than ever, whether it's been
penetrating or dribbling into mid-range jumpers off shot fakes or screens. He'll be an All-Big Ten candi-
date, for certain, this season.
32 Matt Haarms Forward/Center R-Freshman 7-3 250
Purdue didn't get as comprehensive a look at the young big man this summer as it did everyone else,
since citizenship matters barred him from participating in Taipei or benefiting from its unlimited-practice
allowances. But he's not as new to the program as the other newcomers and will have ample opportuni-
ties to vie for a meaningful role in the fall. Purdue could use another big for its rotation.
44 Isaac Haas Center Senior 7-2 290
The senior big man dominated at times on offense in early World University Games events, but has run
into foul trouble at times, too, crystalizing one of the biggest questions around him leading into this
season. When he's on the floor, Purdue's getting him the ball. It needs from him consistency, sound
decision-making and the best he has to offer on the boards in addition to the destination player he'll be
offensively.
55 Sasha Stefanovic Guard Freshman 6-4 195
The freshman enjoyed a strong summer. You might call him a pleasant surprise for Purdue. He made
shots all summer, showed a sharp basketball IQ and dispelled perceptions of him as a one-trick-pony
jump-shooter. Thing is, with Mathias and Cline in the program, there might be redundancy there.
Stefanovic would seem like a textbook redshirt possibility because of it.
— Brian Neubert